Lockdown continues in the UK, but the Young Actor’s Company is committed to staying connected and keeping things creative. Here’s our Creative Producer, Andy Alty, to explain.
I’m generally an optimistic person but the last few weeks have been challenging.
However what happened on April 19 2020 cheered me up: I saw the future and (as Prince once said) it worked!
All three of our YAC groups got together for our first online sessions.
There were teething troubles as we got to grips with this new technology, but we’re learning to adapt quickly and make the most of this new medium as a creative opportunity for our members – and it felt so good to see those faces again.
46 members attended the three online sessions and they’d obviously missed seeing each other. Being part of the YAC family is a valuable part of their lives.
Coronavirus has created uncertainty and fear for the future. Members have told us they’re struggling with isolation; some have disturbed sleep, others are sleeping way too much.
YAC has a vital role to play over the summer months, providing members with an opportunity to interact with friends, talk about their concerns, to relax and have fun. Sharing and laughing together provides a much needed sense of connection with the outside world.
Our plan this term is to be a welcome distraction, providing a secure, online meeting place where we can create and enjoy the company of friends. This week we played games, devised scenes, and worked in breakout groups – just like we did back at New Wimbledon Theatre Studio.
This term we’ll be making vidoes on mobile phones, putting together a cabaret style show and working towards creating online content for our website and social media.
We’re aiming to offer our young actors reassurance that life goes on, they still have a voice and that people still care about what they have to say.
Stay home and stay creative!
Andy
The Empress will return
Sadly, due to government advice, and with the health and safety of our members and audiences in mind, we had to cancel Act One’s scheduled performances on March 20 and March 21.
But we have not forgotten The Empress!
Her costumes might have been mothballed, and the set squirelled away, but one day very soon she’ll be back to work that catwalk…watch this space!